The body mass index (BMI) is a commonly used formula to assess health status. However, it has been faulted by many health professionals for not considering factors such as gender, age and physical activity. BMI is a person’s weight in kilograms (or pounds) divided by the square of height in meters (or feet). Anything outside the normal range (BMI 18.5-24.9) is deemed unhealthy. New research from the British Dietetic Association (BDA) indicates that being slightly overweight (BMI 25-30) could have health benefits for older adults.
Mary Hickson, co-author of a review of studies published in November 2023, explains that people between 70 and 80 years old have a lower risk of dying if they are slightly overweight, compared to younger age groups. “Factors like exercise play a more significant role,” said Hickson. This is called the obesity paradox, which implies that being overweight might be linked to longer lifespans for specific groups.
Mary Hickson, co-author of a review of studies published in November 2023, explains that people between 70 and 80 years old have a lower risk of dying if they are slightly overweight
According to Naiara Fernández of the Spanish Society of Geriatrics and Gerontology (SEGG), the BMI normal ranges are based on results from young people. In older adults, a BMI between 28 and 30, which may indicate class 1 obesity in the young, would be considered normal in terms of weight.
When older people follow a restrictive diet to lose weight, not only do they lose fat, their muscle mass can also decrease. An expert says this can make them more fragile, affect their mobility, and increase the risk of falls and injuries. Being slightly overweight can cushion and protect against bone fractures in case of a fall. For weight loss, it’s better to boost physical activity and burn more calories rather than cutting down on daily calorie intake.
For a high quality of life, elderly people should strive to maintain independence, which requires having well-conditioned muscles. Consequently, he only recommends weight loss when mobility is affected by conditions such as hip or knee osteoarthritis, regardless of BMI. “We must focus on the things that help them stay healthy.” Being underweight and malnutrition also raise the risk of osteoporosis.
Involuntary weight loss
The BDA study expresses concern about older people experiencing involuntary weight loss, which is considered more worrisome than being overweight. According to Hickson, this weight loss can be caused by factors such as social isolation, chronic disease, grief, depression, oral health problems, or medication that affects appetite, digestion or nutrient absorption.
A study published in April 2023 in the journal Nutrients also supported the idea that older people who are overweight or obese live longer. The study argues that BMI is not the best measure because it doesn’t account for body composition and is less correlated with body mass percentage. It found that moderately overweight older individuals with chronic diseases or acute medical events tend to have better survival rates.
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